Carry-All

ABSTRACT

A multi-compartment bag configured to objects specific to one or more applications is described herein. The multi-compartment bag comprises a housing having sides extending between a base and a top, a fastener, e.g., a zipper or snap, to connect the top to at least one of the sides, a panel releasably connected to the top, and two or more modular containers configured to fit within the housing. The modular containers sub-divide the housing into two or more compartments. The multi-compartment bag may further comprise an insert configured to hold an object within the modular container. The insert may include one or more cutouts that frictionally hold one or more objects.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to tote bags, and more particularly to multi-compartment bags.

Business and trade professionals often use various bags, containers, and satchels to store and transport supplies and equipment. In some cases, the professional requires multiple bags of various sizes and shapes to store and transport a variety of equipment and supplies. For example, a police officer may use multiple bags for various law enforcement equipment and supplies, e.g., laptop computer, forensic kits, notepads, pens, files, handcuffs, ammunition, guns, flashlight, etc. It is often difficult to organize and transport multiple bags.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves this problem by providing a multi-compartment bag configured to organize objects, such as objects associated with a particular profession or application. The multi-compartment bag comprises a housing having sides extending between a base and a top, a fastener, e.g., a zipper or snap, to connect the top to at least one of the sides, a panel releasably connected to the top, and two or more modular containers configured to fit within the housing. The modular containers sub-divide the housing into two or more compartments.

In one exemplary embodiment, the multi-compartment bag may further comprise an insert disposed in at least one modular container. The insert is made from an elastic material configured to hold an object within the modular container. In one example, the insert includes one or more cutouts configured to frictionally hold one or more objects.

In another exemplary embodiment, the multi-compartment bag may further comprise a self-supporting bottom compartment. The bottom compartment may include a side access panel to enable the user to access any object stored within the bottom compartment without disturbing the contents in the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary multi-compartment bag according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show details of a top portion of the multi-compartment bag of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the contents of one exemplary multi-compartment bag.

FIG. 4 shows the contents of another exemplary multi-compartment bag.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a modular container for the multi-compartment bag of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a modular container for the multi-compartment bag of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows details of one side pocket for an exemplary multi-compartment bag.

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary multi-compartment bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a multi-compartment bag 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Bag 100 comprises a housing 110, a top 120, and one or more side pockets 130. The bag 100 may further include handles 118 a and an optional strap 118 b. Housing 110 comprises sides 112 extending between a base 114 and the top 120. The sides 112 may be made from a single panel or may be made from multiple interconnected panels. A fastener 116, e.g., a zipper, hook and loop fastener, snap fastener, etc., is disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the top 120 and sides 112 to connect the top 120 to the sides 112. It will be appreciated that fastener 116 may secure any one or more sides 112 of the housing 110 to top 120. Further, fastener 116 may secure all sides 112 to top 120.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show one exemplary top 120 for bag 100. Top 120 extends the length and width of housing 110 and functions as a lid and access point for housing 110. In one embodiment, top 120 comprises a top segment 121 connected to a bottom segment 122. The top segment 121 and bottom segment 122 form a pocket for organizing and storing various objects, e.g., pens, tools, etc., within the top 120. Fastener 116 connects at least a portion of the bottom segment 122 to the sides 112 of housing 110, as shown in FIG. 2A. Additional fasteners may be used to connect a portion of the top segment 121 to a portion of the bottom segment 122. Top 120 may further comprise an optional middle segment 123 that subdivides the pocket. For this embodiment, fasteners 124, 125 may be used to connect the top, middle, and bottom segments.

Top 120 further includes a tear-away panel 125 releasably connected to the top 120 via a quick-release fastener 126, such as a hook and loop fastener. Panel 125 is configured to hold a pre-selected object within top 120 while simultaneously providing quick access to the desired object. For example, for law enforcement applications panel 125 may be configured to hold a firearm and/or ammunition, while for news professional applications, panel 125 may be configured to hold a voice recorder and/or a camera. The user may quickly access the object by pulling the panel 125 from the top 120 to separate the panel 125 from the top 120 (see FIG. 2B). The object may be secured to the panel using any known means, including but not limited to, straps having snap, hook and loop, or other fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tear-away panel 125 releasably connects to the bottom segment 122. It will be appreciated, however, that the tear-away panel 125 may be releasably connected to any portion of top 120.

Top 120 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, top 120 may be constructed from a single segment, and therefore does not require the pocket or middle segment 123. Further, tear-away panel 125 may be connected to an outer surface of top 120. In addition, while the illustrated top 120 comprises a single portion that enables the user to simultaneously access all of the contents inside housing 110, the top 120 may comprise multiple portions that enable the user to access limited sections of bag 100. For example, top 120 may be divided into left and right portions than enable the user to access only the left or right side of housing 110. Thus, it will be appreciated that top 120 may comprise other configurations not explicitly shown herein.

Bag 100 further includes two or more removable modular containers 140, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. While not required, housing 110 may further include one or more support panels 119 that provide support for the modular containers 140 disposed within the housing 110. Modular containers 140 fit within the housing 110 to subdivide the housing 110 into two or more compartments. The modular containers 140 may be configured in any desired manner. For example, modular containers 140 may have different sizes or may have generally equal sizes. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the bag 110 may include two modular containers 140, where both modular containers 140 have a length slightly less than the length of the housing 110, and one modular container 140 has twice the depth of the other modular container 140. In another embodiment, bag 100 may include multiple equal sized modular containers 140. FIG. 4 shows another exemplary arrangement, where five modular containers 140 are arranged within housing 110. It will therefore be appreciated that any number of modular containers 140 may be arranged within housing 110 according to any desired pattern.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show one exemplary modular container 140. Each modular container 140 comprises sides 142 extending between a base 144 and a top 146. The top 146 connects to one or more sides 142 via any known fastener 148, e.g., a zipper, snap fastener, hook-and-loop fastener, etc. Each modular container 140 is configured to organize and hold one or more objects within the housing 110. While not required, a portion of a modular container 140 may be transparent to enable the user to easily see the contents of the modular container 140, as shown in FIG. 5B. Further, one or more of the modular containers 140 may be insulated to facilitate the storage of temperature sensitive objects.

Modular container 140 may include one or more inserts 150 to hold and organize desired objects within the modular container 140. The inserts 150 may be made from any material having elastic properties that enable the insert 150 to readily expand and contract around an object. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, foam and rubber. The inserts 150 may use any means to confine objects within the modular container 140. For example, when the insert 150 comprises two elastic panels, objects may be confined when placed between the two panels. In another embodiment, an insert 150 may include one or more cutouts 152 sized to frictionally hold objects inserted into the cutouts 152. FIGS. 5A and 5B shows one example where insert 150 includes multiple cutouts 152 customized for camera equipment. In this example, the cutouts 152 are sized to frictionally hold a cable 160, camera lenses 162, lens filters 164, and tripod 166. FIG. 6 shows another example where insert 150 comprises multiple cutouts 152 sized to frictionally hold law enforcement equipment, such as handcuffs 170, police baton 172, flashlight 174, etc.

Each insert 150 may be configured for any desired application. More particularly, an insert 150 may be configured to hold one or more objects that collectively apply to a particular application. For example, an insert 150 may be configured to hold photography objects for a photography application or law enforcement objects for a law enforcement application, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Additional exemplary applications include, but are not limited to, fire service, medical service, military, forensic, crafts (e.g., painting, sewing, etc.), sports, and business applications. For example, an insert 150 for a medical service application may be configured to hold medical service objects, e.g., needles, a stethoscope, medication, bandages, and other medical supplies, while an insert 150 for a fire service application may be configured to hold fire service objects, e.g., masks, emergency medical supplies, gloves, and other fire service supplies. An insert 150 for a military application may be configured to hold military objects, e.g., radios, ammunition, maps, a compass, and other military supplies, while an insert 150 for a forensic application may be configured to hold forensic objects, e.g., rubber gloves, various evidence collecting kits (e.g., impression and fingerprint kits), specimen containers, plastic bags, and other criminal investigation supplies. Likewise, inserts 150 for crafts, sports, and business applications may be configured to hold objects particular to the characterizing application, e.g., paintbrushes and paints for a painting application, gloves and other athletic equipment for a sports application, and notepads, pens, cables, and electronic devices for a business application. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the applications or the application specific objects discussed above.

By configuring the inserts 150, bag 100 may be configured for any desired application. In some embodiments, the bag 100 may be configured for a single application, such as a law enforcement application. In other embodiments, the inserts 150 for the modular containers 140 in a customized bag 100 may be configured for multiple applications. For example, a bag 100 may be customized such that an insert 150 for one modular container 140 is configured for sports, while an insert 150 for another modular container 140 is configured for painting. In another example, a bag may be customized such that an insert 150 for one modular container is configured for a military application, while an insert 150 for another modular container 140 is configured for a medical application.

Bag 100 may further include one or more additional compartments connected to an external portion of the housing 110, e.g., side pockets 130. The side pockets 130 may include a top cover or flap to protect the items in the pockets 130. Alternatively, one or more of the side pockets 130 may include a zipper of other fastening means to close the pocket 130 and protect the contents of the pocket 130. The side pockets 130 may be configured to store any desired objects. In one embodiment, at least one of the side pockets 130 stores electronic devices, including but not limited to, laptop computers, personal data assistants, cellular telephones, etc. For example, a pocket 130 disposed on a front side 112 of the housing 110 may be configured to store a laptop computer. For this embodiment, the laptop computer may be disposed directly in the pocket 130, or may alternatively be disposed in a removable computer case 132. As shown in FIG. 7, the computer case 132 may comprise handles and a zipper or other fastener to secure the laptop computer within the case 132. A user may use the computer case 132 to safely transport the laptop computer independent of the bag 100.

Bag 100 may further include a self-supporting bottom compartment 180 that extends beneath the base 114 of housing 110, as shown in FIG. 8. Bottom compartment 180 includes an access panel 182 along one side. The access panel 182 secures to the bottom compartment 180 via a fastener 184, such as a zipper. By disengaging the fastener 184, the user may access the contents of the bottom compartment 180 without disturbing the contents of the housing 110. The bottom compartment 180 may be configured to store any desired objects, e.g., a laptop computer with or without a separate computer case 132.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A multi-compartment bag comprising: a housing comprising sides extending between a base and a top; a first fastener to connect the top to at least one of the sides; a panel releasably connected to said top; two or more removable modular containers configured to fit within the housing to sub-divide the housing into two or more compartments; and an insert disposed within at least one of the modular containers, said insert comprising a material having elastic properties and configured to hold an object within the corresponding modular container.
 2. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 further comprising a cutout in said insert, said cutout configured to frictionally hold the object placed within said cutout.
 3. The multi-compartment bag of claim 2 wherein said cutout is configured to frictionally hold an object.
 4. The multi-compartment bag of claim 3 wherein the object comprises an emergency service object.
 5. The multi-compartment bag of claim 3 wherein the object comprises a photography object.
 6. The multi-compartment bag of claim 2 wherein said cutout comprises one of a slot, cylindrical cutout, rectangular cutout, and triangular cutout.
 7. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of at least one modular container is made from a generally transparent material.
 8. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 wherein at least one of the modular containers comprises an insulated modular container.
 9. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 wherein the top comprises a pocket having a top segment connected to a bottom segment, and wherein the first fastener connects the bottom segment to at least one of the sides.
 10. The multi-compartment bag of claim 9 wherein the top further includes a middle segment disposed between the top and bottom segments, wherein a second fastener connects the middle segment to the top segment, and wherein a third fastener connects the middle segment to the bottom segment.
 11. The multi-compartment bag of claim 10 wherein said panel releasably connects to said middle segment.
 12. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 further comprising a hook and loop fastener configured to releasably connect said panel to said top.
 13. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 wherein said panel is configured to hold at least one of a firearm and ammunition.
 14. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1 further comprising a self-supporting bottom compartment disposed beneath the base and having an access panel along one side.
 15. The multi-compartment bag of claim 14 wherein the self-supporting bottom compartment is configured to hold a portable computing device.
 16. A multi-compartment bag comprising: a housing comprising sides extending between a base and a top; a first fastener to connect the top to at least one of the sides; a panel releasably connected to said top; two or more removable modular containers configured to fit within the housing to sub-divide the housing into two or more compartments; and a self-supporting bottom compartment disposed beneath the base.
 17. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein the top comprises a pocket having a top segment connected to a bottom segment, and wherein the first fastener connects the bottom segment to at least one of the sides.
 18. The multi-compartment bag of claim 17 wherein the top further includes a middle segment disposed between the top and bottom segments, wherein a second fastener connects the middle segment to the top segment, and wherein a third fastener connects the middle segment to the bottom segment.
 19. The multi-compartment bag of claim 17 wherein said panel releasably connects to said bottom segment.
 20. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 further comprising a hook and loop fastener configured to releasably connect said panel to said top.
 21. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein said panel is configured to hold at least one of a firearm and ammunition.
 22. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein each modular container is configured to store one or more objects.
 23. The multi-compartment bag of claim 22 wherein the objects comprise emergency service objects.
 24. The multi-compartment bag of claim 22 wherein the objects comprise photography objects.
 25. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein at least one of the modular containers comprises an insulated modular container.
 26. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 further comprising an insert disposed within at least one of the modular containers, said insert made from a material having elastic properties and configured to hold an object within the corresponding modular container.
 27. The multi-compartment bag of claim 26 further comprising a cutout in said insert, said cutout configured to frictionally hold the object placed within said cutout.
 28. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein the first fastener comprises one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, and a clip fastener.
 29. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein at least a portion of at least one modular container is made from a generally transparent material.
 30. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 further comprising one or more side pockets attached to one or more of the sides.
 31. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein the self-supporting bottom compartment is configured to hold a portable computing device.
 32. The multi-compartment bag of claim 16 wherein said bottom compartment includes an access panel disposed along one side of the bottom compartment. 